The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-18
1t Was Suggested by Adjutant-General Drum,
lndorsed by Secretary Endicott, and APP
proved by President Cleveland.
Indications that General Drum Will Be
Made the Scape-Goat of the Affair.
Semi Official Hint that the President Does Not
Think the Incident Will Work Serious
Injury to His Political Prospects.
CLEvELAND'S RETREAT.
How the Presidents Managed to Squirm Out
of His Absurd Order.

How the Presidents Managed to squirm Out
of His Absurd Order.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE President BY n
heroic retrograde movement has managed to
squirm out of his absurd order for restoration of
confederate battle-fags, but in doing SO it is
significaut that he bases his last acton solely on
the absence of any law that would warrant him
in carrying out his frat, and not because he
thinks there would be any improperly in
doing it That the President is forced to admit
that he is legally compelled to recede from his
position makes it none the less gratuitous in
suit that he has flung in the faces OF the men
who went to the front and fought their coun-
try's battles, and did not stay at home and hire
a substitute to do their fighting for them.
Even putting the most charitable construction
upon it. the President has irretrievably blum
dered Assuming that General Drum originated
the proposition. soma seem to think-and 1t
must be confessed there is some evidence that
Cleveland gave a perfunctory assent without
giving that careful consideration that i'm
portant o question required-and fomented all
the trouble and bitterness that could have been
so easily obviated, it is an easy matter, when
man blunders to look for a scape goat to carry
his SINS and Mr. Cleveland seems to have found
one close at hand. General Drums conduct,
IN all conscience. has been asinine
enough and may cost him his place
Apart from the stand he has taken In urging this
matter he has committed other still greater
blunders in regard 10 correspondents between
himself and the Secretary of War. This CORE
spondence, it now seems, was begun as far back
as April 30, when General Drum addressed
letter to Secretary Endicott recommending
turn of the flags. On May 26, not until three
weeks after, Secretary Endicott replied approv-
ing the recommendation, and stating, also. that
the President approved it. This correspondence
General Drum repeatedly refused to give out to
the press here, and general surprise was created
to-day, in and out of official circles. when copy
of Yesterdays Charleston News and Courier ap-
peared with the correspondence in fun. AS Gen.
Drum has brother in law on that paper the ex-
PLANTATION is apparent. and is the stupidity
In fact the whole matter has been guarded ieal-
ously from the public, with the evident intention
of thrusting it the country the
plans consumniated; but, Fortunately. t,..s
pet project was nipped in the bud by Washing
ton newspaper correspondents.
Inasmuch as the matter has been opened for
discussion, it would be well for Hon. Grover
Cleveland to have the law Of 1874 regarding
captured flags and standards enforced By this
time ne mas fnade hlfn5eli suucientiy fatniilar
with all laws bearing upon battle efags to know
that it is not observed but that, instead OF being
displayed in some safe place. as required they
are packed away il dirty cellars and garrets
Let the law be observed, and let these relics be
removed from their hiding places and put where
those who fought for them and those who wish
to- can them. At least let this be done
til Congress shall take final action in the
matter. The President has not been so fright
ened since the day he refused to go TO Mr.. Hen
dricks's funeral for fear the train would run off
the track.